Ed groups, feds want OSU records shielded

COLUMBUS (AP) — National education groups and the U.S. Department of Education are siding with Ohio State University in a lawsuit alleging the school violated state public records law by denying requests for items related to an NCAA investigation.

ESPN is asking the Ohio Supreme Court to order the release of records related to the forced resignation of football coach Jim Tressel and star quarterback Terrelle Pryor.

The records sought include correspondence referring to Ted Sarniak, reportedly a mentor of Pryor in his hometown of Jeannette, Pa.

Education groups including the American Council on Education told the court Tuesday the university struck the right balance between releasing records and following federal student privacy laws.

The U.S. Department of Education says a university receiving federal funds can’t release information shielded by such laws.